Dealing with cats can be a real challenge for gardeners. On the one hand, even if you’re not a cat fan, you don’t actually want to hurt them. Apart from anything else, cats have owners and while cats do like to roam, they usually don’t roam too far, which means that their owners are probably your neighbours. On the other hand, cats cause all kinds of problems in gardens so you want a tactful way to persuade them to go (and do their business) elsewhere.
Persuading cats to leave your garden
There are a few “old-school” tactics which still work very well, especially if you use them in combination.
Anti-cat plants
Basically these are plants which give off a smell cats don’t like. Most of them smell at least passable to humans (although this does depend on taste). There are a few which smell pretty bad to most people but you might see that as a price worth paying if you really need (or want) to deter cats.
Lion dung
Yes you did read that correctly. The basic idea behind this one is that the average domestic cat gets the smell of a really big cat and decides to respect the big cat’s territory. This does tend to work very well but the problem is that it can work out very expensive to cover larger spaces and that’s before you get to the fact that it needs to be reapplied regularly to stay effective.
Rough surfaces
Cats don’t like rough surfaces so deploying anything with rough textures or spikes can be a way to deter them. This approach does, however, have its limits. Cats are very skilled at picking their way through obstacles and if they can they will. In fact they may just do it on point of principle. Where this can work very effectively is when cats have to jump as this severely limits their options.
Using cat scarers
The “new-school” way is to use cat scarers. In principle, these come in two forms. One form is ultrasonic and emits a noise cats hate, but humans can’t hear. The other form sprays jets of water, which cats hate. In practice, ultrasonic cat scarers are now by far the more popular option and hence more widely available. This is probably because they are much easier to implement.
Water-jet cat scarers can be very effective, but the need for water can cause problems in both winter (frost) and summer (water shortages). They can also be surprisingly noisy as they tend to make a loud clicking noise, which humans can hear. On the plus side, this noise on its own can be a fairly effective deterrent against cats, even when there is no water.
Cat Scarer Review
Here is our guide to the best cat scarers on the UK market. Most of the list is made up of the best ultrasonic cat scarers, but we’ve also included a couple of jet spray cat scarers, also known as infrared cat scarers (although most cat scarers are infrared these days). We’ve based our list on a combination of performance and price, in other words, overall value for money.
Best Ultrasonic Cat Scarers
BestCool Cat Repellent Ultrasonic Repelling PIR Sensor
Although we’ve listed this as a cat scarer, it’s actually designed to deter a variety of pests and as such it’s important to set the right frequency. Once you’ve done that, when the motion detector is triggered, this cat scarer will not only emit a sound, but also start flashing a light for extra effect (at least at night).
The fact that this cat scarer is solar powered means that, for the most part, it’s “set and forget”. There’s no worries about cables and you probably won’t need to charge the battery, but if you do there’s a USB port and cable and you can always take a powerbank out to the garden if you want to leave the cat scarer in the ground.
This cat scarer is also reliably waterproof, so you can leave it outdoors all year round without any worries.
BestCool Cat Repellent, Waterproof Animal Repeller Ultrasonic Repelling PIR Sensor USB Charging...
Pestbye® Battery Operated Ultrasonic Cat Scarer
This ultrasonic cat scarer is simple but effective. When the infrared sensor detects warmth and movement, it emits a sound which is intended to deter cats (and also works on dogs and foxes). As it’s designed and sold as a cat scarer, there are no frequencies to set, you just pop in 3AA batteries and you’re good to go.
Obviously the batteries will need replaced from time to time (how long they last depends on usage) but given that AA batteries are widely sold, this is unlikely to be a problem. This cat scarer can be put in soil or mounted on a wall. It’s reliably waterproof and so can stay outdoors in all weathers.
Pestbye® Battery Operated Cat Repellent V2 - Easy To Use Ultrasonic Cat...
- Cutting-edge technology: The HyperResonance Frequency system is the latest in animal repelling technology, producing the most effective frequencies to keep unwanted animals out of your garden.
- Wide coverage: With a range that extends up to 32 feet, this cat repeller can protect a large area of your garden from unwanted animal intruders.
- Cutting-edge technology: The HyperResonance Frequency system is the latest in animal repelling technology, producing the most effective frequencies to keep unwanted animals out of your garden.
- Wide coverage: With a range that extends up to 32 feet, this cat repeller can protect a large area of your garden from unwanted animal intruders.
- Reliable motion sensor: The PIR motion sensor is integrated at just the right height for maximum accuracy, ensuring that the cat repeller activates only when necessary.
- User-friendly: Simply insert the batteries and push the repeller into the ground to set up this easy-to-use cat repeller.
- All-in-one solution: With its integrated detection and repelling system, this cat repeller provides a comprehensive solution to keep your garden free from unwanted cats, without the need for additional backup systems.
Zonpor Ultrasonic Cat Repellent
This cat scarer is very similar to the BestCoolCat option, in fact the functionality is essentially identical. The only real difference is that this cat scarer is shaped in a way which makes it possible to mount it to a wall if you wish and there is a mounting hole for this very purpose.
zonpor Cat Repellent, Ultrasonic Animal Repeller Solar Battery Operated Fox Deterrent Cat...
- Adjustable Sensitivity and Frequency: You can adjust the sensitivity and frequency of the element according to different environments to increase the protection range
- Wide range: infrared pir motion sensor angle up to 110 degrees and detection range up to 8 meters away, activating cat repellent to emit high-frequency sound, irritating to the cat and almost inaudible to humans
- Adjustable Sensitivity and Frequency: You can adjust the sensitivity and frequency of the element according to different environments to increase the protection range
- Wide range: infrared pir motion sensor angle up to 110 degrees and detection range up to 8 meters away, activating cat repellent to emit high-frequency sound, irritating to the cat and almost inaudible to humans
- Easy Setup - Just place the cat repellent pointing towards the area you want to protect and place it in a place with lots of sunlight
- SOLAR POWERED:The ultrasonic cat repellent is equ ipad or with a solar panel on its top and can be charged with solar energy under the sun; or charged by usb power supply
Best Infrared Cat Scarers
Defenders Jet-Spray
This spray can blast up to 10 metres and has a 120-degree arc with adjustable height. Some people find that this cat scarer is still a bit too tall if you put it straight into the ground, but you can always solve this problem by putting it in at an angle. In addition to water, this cat scarer needs 2 x AA batteries.
Defenders Jet-Spray Pond & Garden Protector (Motion-Activated, Heron, Fox and Wildlife Repellent)
- EFFECTIVE: PIR activated water-jet deterrent protects ponds and other vulnerable garden areas from attack by unwanted predators.
- POND PROTECTION: Keep high-value carp and goldfish safe from attack by herons and other predators without unsightly nets and covers
- EFFECTIVE: PIR activated water-jet deterrent protects ponds and other vulnerable garden areas from attack by unwanted predators.
- POND PROTECTION: Keep high-value carp and goldfish safe from attack by herons and other predators without unsightly nets and covers
- GARDEN PROTECTION: Keep hen runs safe from fox attack and beds, borders, and lawns free from damage and fouling by dogs and cats
- EASY SET-UP: Create a protected zone anywhere in the garden using a standard quick-fit hose pipe connection and battery power
- ADJUSTABLE: Protected zone of up to 100 m2 with 1-10 m range and fully adjustable PIR settings
- ALL-WEATHER: Water-resistant sealed electronics for year-round use and long-lasting protection
- Packaging may vary
Pest XT Jet Spray Battery Operated Motion Sensor Activated Cat Scarer
The functionality of this cat scarer is essentially the same as for the previous one, however, they are usually sold as double packs and hence might be a more economical choice if you need multiple cat scarers to cover a large area.
Pest XT Jet Spray Battery Operated Motion Sensor Activated Cat and Fox...
- Safe and effective; Uses a five second spray of water to deter animals when they enter the pre-set area
- Motion sensor; Intelligent PIR sensor inside can detect pests in an angle of 120°
- Large area; Can detect animals up to 10 meters away and within an area of approximately 60 square meters
- Safe and effective; Uses a five second spray of water to deter animals when they enter the pre-set area
- Motion sensor; Intelligent PIR sensor inside can detect pests in an angle of 120°
- Large area; Can detect animals up to 10 meters away and within an area of approximately 60 square meters
- Wireless; The pest repeller will scare away most garden pests without needing a mains power supply and will automatically reset itself after every burst
- GUARANTEED TO WORK OR YOUR MONEY BACK This product comes with a 60day effectiveness guarantee
Cat Scarer Review
For most people, realistically ultrasonic cat scarers are likely to be the best cat scarers as they do not require a water connection. If, however, you’re really against the ultrasonic option and/or you want your cat scarer to do double-duty against certain other types of animals or even birds (notably herons if you have a garden pond), then a water-jet cat scarer could be the best cat scarer for you.
Katie is the Editor here at Poshh Living and is a well-respected voice in the world of design and home improvement. Katie has a first-class Hons degree in Journalism and is proud to say that she has written many leading entries in the biggest media outlets including Ideal Home, and Good House Keeping. Lover of the great outdoors and mother of two, Katie is ‘down to earth’, knowledgable and a great asset to the team
